Ep. 126 – Regula Basilii: The Memory of God in the Rule of St. Basil

In the fourth century, serious Christians often aspired to the ascetical life. Many even delayed Baptism until they were ready to embrace it, seeing Baptism not as the end of conversion, but as the beginning of a life wholly dedicated to Christ. Among the great architects of that vision was St. Basil the Great. His Regula Basilii became one of the foundational texts of Christian monasticism, not by replacing the Gospel, but by showing Christians how to live it. Joshua sits down with Dr. Steve Hildebrand to discuss St. Basil's Rule, its place in the life of the early Church, and the enduring wisdom it offers every Christian. Together they explore the memory of God, obedience, the commandments, the evangelical counsels, and why love of God is the principle that orders the whole Christian life. They also discuss why St. Basil thought no Christian should pursue holiness alone, why obedience is indispensable to the spiritual life, how idleness opens the door to vice, and why he returns again and again to one central theme: the memory of God. For more content like this, go to www.magnusinstitute.org and join our tuition-free Magnus Fellowship.